9 April 2026 - Caroline Barr, ABN AMRO Bank N.V. UK, appointed as new Chair of the Banking Environment Initiative, and Michael Sheren as Vice-Chair
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Caroline Barr, Head of Sustainability Expertise UK at ABN AMRO Bank N.V., U.K. Branch, as the new Chair of the Banking Environment Initiative (BEI). Caroline brings significant experience in the sustainable finance sector, and has been an active contributor across the banking sector on issues related to climate transition, nature, and the role of financial institutions in shaping a more resilient and sustainable economy.
Michael Sheren, CISL Fellow, will continue to support the platform in his role as Vice‑Chair. Michael has played a central role in the BEI’s development and has been instrumental in helping shape its strategic direction.
The appointments signal an exciting chapter for the initiative, fostering greater co-operation across the financial sector. Through a unique combination of deep industry collaboration, high-calibre research, and exceptional education programmes, the Centre for Sustainable Finance helps financial institutions to play a leading role in developing the solutions the industry urgently needs.
Caroline Barr said:
"The BEI’s ethos of openness and practicality offers a rare opportunity for senior leaders to work through the sector’s most complex sustainability and transition finance challenges, supported by Cambridge University’s breadth of academic expertise. It is a privilege to chair this group, and I look forward to working with members to deliver tangible outcomes that strengthen the sector’s contribution to climate and environmental goals."
Michael Sheren said:
"I am exceptionally pleased to be working with Caroline to advance the important work of the CISL Banking Environment Initiative. The practical and commercial research topics identified by the BEI members in the area of sustainable finance are more relevant and important today than ever. Sustainable investments are not only good for the environment but they drive investments in projects and companies that generate superior returns associated with lower energy and water costs. Further, in a volatile world, energy security and lower home energy costs are front and centre and these can only be achieved via an energy transition led by renewables. I look forward to working with Caroline and the members to generate cutting edge sustainable finance research and innovations and supporting our members as they deliver these to their financial institutions."
Gwyn Rhodes said:
"I am delighted that Caroline has taken on the role of BEI chair and I look forward to working with her as we continue our important work to facilitate a more sustainable banking sector, in both the environmental and the commercial sense."